The tonearm and cartridge are two of the most important components of a vinyl player. They are responsible for transferring the sound from the record groove to the amplifier, so it is important to get their settings right.
The tracking force is the amount of downward pressure that the stylus applies to the record groove. It is an important setting to get right, as too little tracking force can cause the stylus to skip, while too much tracking force can damage the record. The recommended tracking force for your cartridge will vary depending on the cartridge’s design and the type of record you are playing. It is usually between 1 and 2 grams.
The anti-skate is a setting that counteracts the force of the stylus tracking the record groove. It is important to set the anti-skate to the same value as the tracking force, so that the stylus does not drift towards the center of the record.
The VTA (Vertical Tracking Angle) is the angle at which the stylus sits in the record groove. It is usually set to 22 degrees, but this may vary depending on the cartridge and the record.
The azimuth is the angle of the cartridge relative to the record surface. It is important to set the azimuth so that both channels are playing at equal volume levels.
The recommended settings for a vinyl player’s tonearm and cartridge will vary depending on the turntable, cartridge, and records you are using. However, the settings listed above are a good starting point.
Here are some tips for setting the tonearm and cartridge on your vinyl player:
- Use a digital stylus scale to measure the tracking force and anti-skate.
- Be careful not to over-tighten the counterweight, as this can damage the cartridge.
- If you are not sure what the recommended settings are for your cartridge, consult the manufacturer’s instructions.
Once you have set the tonearm and cartridge on your vinyl player, you should listen to a few records to make sure that the sound is correct. If you are not happy with the sound, you may need to adjust the settings slightly.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your vinyl player is set up correctly and that you are getting the best possible sound quality from your records.
